High Parks

For my 40th, my partner found this place and made the trip feel special without any fuss. We love wild camping, but tents and outdoor bathroom trips aren't for us this time, and this was ideal. It’s in the Yorkshire Dales, with plenty to explore, or you can just listen to the birds and relax. Sean and Jenny are on hand with guidance and help to make the stay a good one. They’ve thought of everything, so you really just need to bring yourself. Our new special place, and we can’t wait to come back. Hands down the best place we’ve stayed in the UK.

We stayed Friday to Monday in the pheasant lodge for a birthday getaway. The lodge was warm and snug, and the beds and lighting made it feel even more comfortable. We had dinner in the BBQ hut one night, with lots of meat from cockburns in Bedale, and had a great time. Sean was lovely and friendly. We’ll probably be back later this year.

There’s a BBQ hut by the pond that you can book for evenings, and it has a toaster if you need one in the morning. Your own hut has a kettle, espresso machine, complimentary tea and coffee, cutlery, crockery and a small fridge, plus an outdoor gas BBQ. There’s no hob or oven, so cooking a big meal isn’t really an option. Plenty of nearby pubs and restaurants offer another choice. The huts sit below trees among wildflowers, looking out over open fields. Their gravel paths make access easy, and although they look small from outside, the clever layout and embankment give them decent space inside. You can see the other huts, but the window placement gives you a sense of privacy. There are paths for walks nearby, lots of local flora and fauna, and free-range chickens.

Sean’s local tips helped us find places to eat and visit, with lots of beautiful spots an easy trip away. He welcomed us warmly and made us feel at home from the start. The Mr&Mrs banner and card for our wedding anniversary were such a thoughtful touch. Owl lodge was clean, comfortable and had all the amenities we needed. It’s a peaceful place to unwind, and we’ll definitely return.